INTERNATIONAL SABBATH-SCHOOL QUARTERLY
Sabbath-School Lessons on
The Parables of
FOR SENIOR CLASSES
FOURTH QUARTER, x6ox
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No. 26
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The parables of our Saviour,
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Christ's Object Lessons
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SUGGESTIONS FOR FAMILY STUDY
SABBATH
Read carefully the portions of Scripture which
form the basis of the next Sabbath's lesson. Study
the memory verse, if there be one.
SUNDAY
Repeat the story of the lesson from memory,
and then read it. Study the circumstances under
which the parable was spoken. Ask yourself what
is the lesson or lessons the parable is designed to
teach.
MONDAY
Read the comments on the lesson in "Christ's
Object Lessons." Review the Scripture lesson.
TUESDAY
Ask the questions on the primary lesson, and
on the youth's lesson, and review the memory
verse. Study the practical lessons taught by the
parable.
WEDNESDAY
Ask the questions on the senior lesson. Read
the ' notes in the "Lesson Quarterly," also the
notes in the "Instructor."
THURSDAY
Give an outline of the lesson, connecting with
it the helpful thoughts in "Christ's Object Les-
sons."
FRIDAY
Review all the lessons. Relate personal expe-
riences in which the truths contained in the lesson
have been helpful.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS •
ON
. The Parables of Jesus
FOR
SENIOR CLASSES
FOURTH QUARTER 1901
NOTE.—In the preparation of these lessons all Scripture refer-
ences, and the pages of " Christ's Object Lessons," should be
thoroughly studied first, then the questions. The questions are
not the lessons. They are only for the purpose of finding out what
we have observed while studying.
More of the preciousness of these lessons will be obtained if
the lesson is studied each day throughout the week. In the
parables of Jesus there is salvation from sin for every type of
sinner—from the Pharisee to the prodigal.
The notes are wholly selected from such portions of " Christ's
Object Lessons" as apply to each lesson.
4
LESSONA
)
ON THA PAR ABLES OR JESUS.
LESSON I.—TEACHING IN PARABLES.
Lesson SiliptUre8.
—
Matt. 13:13-33: 23:1-12
.
LESSON HELP.—" Christ's Object Lessons," chapter 1.
Octobers,
1901.
1.
In what way did Jesus teach the multitudes? Matt.
1
3:34.
2.
What prediction was thus fulfilled ? What did He utter?
Verse 35
3.
As a basis of His parables, from what sources did He prin-
cipally draw ?—Nature and scenes from every-day life. Matt.
13 : 24- 32; 25 :
1-12.
4.
Why did Christ speak in parables? Matt. 13 :13.
5.
What are people supposed to see in the things about them?
Rom. 1:
20.
6.
In how many things is God revealed? Jer. 23 :23, 24.
7.
Failing to see Him in each daily scene and 'event, what
happens to the hear
%? Rom I :
20,21.
8.
Was this the condition of the people to Whom Jesus opened
His mouth in parables ? Matt. 13 : 13-15.
9.
Then, in showing God in common things, what was
revealed ? Verse 35:last clause.
1o. How do you express your thoughts ?—In words and deeds.
Does God express His thoughts thus?
xi. When were the earth and all its contents an exact expres-
sion of God's thoughts? Gen. I : 31.
32. At that time what do you think the man, created in the
image of God, could see and understand in the things about him?
13. Give two reasons showing why the natural man sees so
little of God now in His created works. Eph. 4:38; Gen.
3:17, 18.
34. Are these parables needed, then, to-day ? Why?
LEASONS ON THE PARABLES OE
JESUS.
5
NOTES•
To Adam and Eve in their Eden home nature was full of the
knowledge of God, teeming with divine instruction. Wisdom
spoke to the eye, and was received into the heart, for they com-
muned with God in His created works. As soon as the holy pair
transgressed the law of the Most High, the brightness from the
face of God departed from the face of nature. The earth is now
marred and defiled by sin. Yet, even in its blighted state, much
that is beautiful remains. God's object-lessons are not obliterated;
rightly understood, nature speaks of her Creator.
In the days of Christ these lessons had been lost sight of.
Men had well-nigh ceased to discern God in His works. The sin-
fulness of humanity had cast a pall over the fair face of creation;
and, instead of manifesting God, His works became a barrier that
concealed Him. . . . Not only the things of nature, but the
sacrificial service and the Scriptures themselves,—all given to
reveal God,—were so perverted that they became the means of
concealing Him.
Jesus sought an avenue to every heart. By using a variety of
illustrations, He not only presented truth in its different phases,
but appealed to the different hearers. Their interest was aroused
by figures, drawn from the surroundings of their daily life.
In the Saviour's parable teaching is an indication of what
constitutes the title "higher education."
Too often the minds of students are occupied with men's theo-
ries and speculations, falsely called science and philosophy. They
need to be brought into close contact with nature. Let them
learn that creation and Christianity have one God.
Christ's purpose in parable teaching was in direct line with the
purpose of the Sabbath. . . . The Sabbath bids us behold in
His created works the glory of the Creator.
. . On the holy
rest day, above all other days, we should study the messages that
God has written for us in nature. We should study the Sa-
viotir's parables where He spoke them in the fields and groves,
under the open sky-, among the grass and flowers. As we come
close to the heart of nature, Christ makes His presence real to us,
and speaks to our hearts of His peace and love.
6
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OP JESUS.
LESSON IL—PARABLE OF THE SOWER:
Lesson Scriptures.—Matt.
13: 1-9;
Luke 8:
AID.—" Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 33-43.
October
12, 1901.
r. When Jesus gave the parable of the sower, what were the
surroundings? Matt. 13: t, 2.
2.
What did He say? Verse 3.
3.
Was a sower in ,sight when He said this? What is the
meaning of the word "behold " ? In the application of the parable,
who is the sower? Verse 37. What does He sow? What kind of
seed ? What is the seed ? Luke 8 : 1 r.
4.
What causes growth ?—Life. Who quickens, or gives life
to, all things? I Tim. 6:13.
5.
Is that past merely, or present also? By whose life does
the Creator make things live and grow?
6.
If there were another source of life than God Himself,
what
would be necessary?—Another god besides the Lord.
What, then, is the life of every seed and plant and tree?
7.
What is a " fountain " ? With whom is the "fountain of
life"? Ps. 36: 7-9.
8.
By what means are people created ? Job 33 : 4.
9.
How are they kept alive? Acts 17 : 25.
TO.
What relation is there between God's Word and His life?
John 6 : 63.
it. Then, since all things are now caused to be, and made to
grow, by the " life " of God, does that mean by the " word " of
God ?
•
12.
How
are
men born again ? I Peter I :23.; John 3 : 6.
Ans.—
Born again by the " word "; born by the "Spirit." "The words
that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6 : 63.
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OF' JESUS.
7
13.
Are written signs and characters the real word of God ?
Heb. 4 : 12.
14.
Since it is the same life in what we call "natural" things as
.
that which is found in spiritual things, what ought we to see in all
natural objects ?
15.
In the parable what did the sower sow?
NOTES.
They expected the Messiah to prove His claims by mighty
deeds of conquest, to establish His empire on the ruins of 'earthly
kingdoms. This expectation Christ answered in the parable of
the sower. Not by force of arms, not by violent interpositions, was
the kingdom of God to prevail, but by the implanting of a new
principle in the hearts of men.
The word of God is the seed. Every seed has, in itself, a ger-
minating principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So
there is life in God's word. . . . In every command and in
every promise of the word of God is the power, the very life of
God, by which the command may be fulfilled and the promise
realized. He who, by faith, received the word, is receiving the
very life and character of God.
But the teacher of sacred truth can impart only that which he
himself knows by experience. " The sower sowed
his
seed."
READ THE SUGGESTIONS FOR FAMILY STUDY ON SECOND PAGE
OF COVER.
8
LESSONS ON THE
PARABLES OE JESUS.
LESSON HI.—PARABLE OF THE SOWER.
WAYSIDE AND STONY-GROUND -HEARERS.
Lesson Scriptures.—Matt.
13 :3
-
6; 18
-
21.
AID.—" Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 43-5o.
.October
19, 1901.
i. What is said of a sower? Where did he go? 'For what
purpose? Where did some of the seed fall? What became of it?
Other seed fell where? How soon did this grow? Why? What
effect had the sun upon this? Why did it wither?
2.
What are we asked to hear? Matt. 13:18.
3.
In this verse, what corresponds to the fowls by the wayside?
Away from whom does he catch the seed?
4.
What has made the heart of the wayside hearer hard, like
the beaten path? Rom. r : 21; 2 Cor. 4 . 4; Rom. 11:7, margin;
Heb. 3 : 13.
5.
In this condition, how do they treat the word?
6.
What gives Satan an opportunity to catch it away?
7.
Has Satan any assistants in this work? Matt. 12:3o; see
note.
8.
Who receives the seed into stony places? How does such
a one receive the word? What is the meaning "of "anon"?
9.
What is lacking? How does he become offended? What
is understood by the word "offended" in this connection?
io. Does an immediate acceptance of the word when it is pre-
sented, necessarily prove one to be a stony-ground hearer? Matt.
4:38-22, etc.; see also note.
xi. Does the fact that one is in the condition of the wayside
hearer, or that of the stony-ground hearer, show that there is no
hope for him? Heb. 7:25; Isa.
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OF JESUS.
9
NOTES.
Satan has many helpers. Many who profess to be Christians
are aiding the tempter to catch away the seeds of truth from other'
hearts. Many who listen to the preaching of the word of God
make it the subject of criticism at home. They sit in judgment on
the sermon as they would on the words of a lecturer or a political
speaker.
It is not because men receive the word immediately, nor
,
because they rejoice in it, that they fall away. As soon as Matthew
heard the Saviour's call, immediately he rose up, left all, and fol-
lowed Him. As soon as the divine word comes to our hearts,
God desires us to receive it; and it is right to accept it with joy.
" Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth."
LESSON IV.—PARABLE OF THE SOWER.
SEED AHONG THORNS AND ON GOOD GROUND.
Lesson Scriptures.—Matt.
13
: 7, 8,
22,
23; Mark 4 : 7, 8,
19,
zo; Luke 8 : 7, 8, 14-18.
AID.—" Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 50-62.
October 26, rgor.
r. Where did other seed fall? What effect had the thorns upon
the growing seed? What expression in the text shows that the
thorns grew rapidly? Besides hindering the growth of the seed-
stalks, what do thorns prevent? Mark 4 : 7; Luke 8:
1
4.
2.
What is the main purpose of sowing seed ? What does Mat-
thew say the thorns represent? Mark? Luke?
3.
Do any of these things ever absorb our minds, and hinder
spiritual growth, or perfect fruit-bearing?
4.
In theSe very days, of what are we warned? Luke 21 : 34.
5.
What class is more apt to be absorbed with the
cares
of this
life? What class with the
pleasures?
10
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OP JESUS.
6.
Into what did other seed fall? What was brought forth? In
what proportions? What, then, is the evidence of good ground?
7.
What kind of fruit-bearing is equal to none at all ? Hosea
10 : 1,
2.
8.
For whom, then, does good ground bring forth fruit?
9.
What is our final test—correctness of theology merely, or
fruit-bearing? Matt. 25:31—q6.
NOTES.
Throughout the parable of the sower, Christ represents the dif-
ferent results of the sowing as depending upon the
soil.
In every
case the sower and the seed are the same. Thus He teaches that
if the word of God fails of accomplishing its work in our hearts
and lives, the reason is to be found in ourselves.
The garden of the heart must be cultivated. The soil must be
broken up by deep repentance for sin. Poisonous, satanic plants
must be uprooted. The soil once overgrown by thorns can be
reclaimed only by diligent labor. So the evil tendencies of the
natural heart can be overcome only by earnest effort in the name
and strength of Jesus.
The "honest and good heart" of which the parable speaks, is
not a heart without sin; for the gospel is to be preached to the
lost. Christ said, " I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance." He has an honest heart who yields to the convic-
tion of the Holy Spirit.
STUDY THE LESSON SCRIPTURE. NOT THE QUESTIONS.
LESSONS ON
THE
PARABLES OF JESUS.
II
LESSON V.—CHRISTIAN GROWTH.
Lesson Scripture.—Mark 4:26-29.
AID.—"Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 62-69.
November 2, 1901.
•
r. To what is the kingdom of God here likened?
2.
After the seed is sown, what is the man said to be doing?
3.
How does the seed grow? Why does the man not know
how it is done?
4.
Does the fact that "the earth bringeth forth fruit of her-
self" show that it is within God's aid, or without man's knowledge
and help?
5.
In the process of growth, what first appears ? What next?
What last of all?
•
6.
How soon after this state of things arrives, is the grain
reaped? Verse 29, margin. Why?
7.
Before sowing garden seeds, what must be done with the
soil? Why do men not plant while the ground is frozen?
8.
What is God's part in the preparation of the earth-soil?
What is man's?
9.
Beyond what point can man do nothing?
to. How is the soil of the heart made ready for the gospel
seed ? John 1: 4, 9; Ps. 65:9; Isa. 44 :3; Hosea 1o: 12; Phil.
‘2 :13; Matt. 5:14, 16; I Peter 2: I, 2; Matt. 5:6. "
II. What is God's part, and what man's in this work?
12.
When is the best time to sow gospel seed? Eccl. it :6.
13.
Give examples of some whose hearts were all prepared be-
fore the gospel seed-sower was sent to sow. Acts 8:26-39;
10 : 1-48.
•
14.
In these instances, was it necessary for the sower to always
remain with the ground on which his seed had been cast ? Have
we ever tried to do God's part in this work?
I2
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OE JESUS.
NOTES.
The parable of the seed reveals that God is at work in nature.
The seed has in itself a germinating principle, a principle that
God Himself has planted: yet if left to itself, the seed would have
no power to spring up. Man has his part to act in promoting the
growth of grain. He must prepare and enrich the soil and cast in
the seed. He must till the fields. But there is a point beyond
which he can accomplish nothing.
There is life in the seed, there is power in the soil; but unless
an infinite power is exercised day and night, the seed will yield no -
returns. . . .
The life which the Creator has implanted, He
alone can call forth.
Every seed grows. every plant develops, by
the power of God.
As the earth bringeth forth her bud, as the garden causeth the
things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord will cause
righteousness and praise to spring forth.
The germination of the seed represents the beginning of the
spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure
of Christian growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no
life without growth. The plant must either grow or die.
At every stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if
God's purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advance-
ment. Sanctification is the work of d lifetime.
There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is cen-
tered in self.
Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of
Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be
perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim
them as His own.
Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how
quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gos-
pel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ
would come to gather the precious grain.
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OP JESUS.
13
LESSON VI.—TARES.
Lesson Scriptures.—Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43.
AID.—"Christ's
Object Lessons," pp. 70-75.
November 9, 1901.
i. What did our Lord again speak ?
2.
What was this parable given to illustrate?
3.
To what did He compare the kingdom of heaven ?
4.
What did the enemy do? When?
5.
When did the tares appear?
6.
Apart from the fruit, then, were the tares readily distin-
guished ?
7.
What is the great test as to true or false teachers? Matt.
7 : 16-21.
8.
Who told the house-holder about the tares?
9.
What question did they ask?
io. What was the reply?
Ir. What was the servants' second question?
32.
What answer was given ?
13.
What reason was given for this answer?
14.
How long must both grow together?
35. At that time, what will be said to the reapers?
16.
What is done with the tare's ?
17.
What is done with the wheat?
18.
Who especially inquired about the parable?
19.
Where was Jesus when this inquiry came?
zo. Where were the multitude ?
21.
Who sowed the good seed? What is the field? The good
seed are who? Who are the tares? Who sowed them? What
is the harvest? Who are the reapers?
22.
Of what is the gathering and burning of the tares a simile?
Out of what are these offenders gathered ? By whom is this done?
Where are they cast?
14
LESSONS
ON THE PARABLES OP JESUS.
23.
What shows the literal character of the fire and the suffer-
ing ?
24.
At that time who will shine forth ? Where?
NOTES.
The tares represent a class who are the fruit or embodiment
of error, of false principles. " The enemy that sowed them is the
devil." Neither God nor His angels ever sowed a seed that would
produce a tare. The tares are always sown by Satan, the enemy
of God and man.
It is from enmity to Christ that Satan scatters his evil seed
among the good grain of the kingdom. The fruit of the sowing he
attributes to the Son of God. By bringing into the church those
who bear Christ's name while they deny His character, the wicked
one causes that God shall be dishonored, the work of salvation
misrepresented, and souls imperiled.
Christ has plainly taught that those who persist in open sin must
be separated from the church ; but He has not committed to us the
work of judging character and motive.
The Redeemer does not want to lose one soul ; His experience
with Judas is recorded to show His long patience with perverse
human nature ; and He bids us bear with it as He has borne.
The Saviour does not point forward to a time when all the tares
become wheat. The wheat and tares grow together until the
harvest, the end of the world. Then the tares are bound in
bundles to be burned, and the wheat is gathered into the garner
of God.
READ THE SUGGESTIONS FOR FAMILY STUDY ON SECOND PAGE
OF COVER.
LESSONS ON tHE PARAi3LES OF' JESUS.
t5
LESSON V11.—THE flUSTARD SEED. OTHER
LESSONS.
Lesson Scriptures.—Matt.
: 31, 32 ;
Mark
4 : 30-32 ;
Luke
13
18, 19.
AID.—" Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 76-89.
November 16,
1901. •
1.
What question did Jesus ask? Mark 4:
30.
2.
Who answered it? In this instance what did He say the
kingdom is like? How many grains?
3.
Does the dry seed represent the kingdom, or is it the seed
as it is sown and growing?
4.
In size, how does this seed compare with others ? How
does the plant compare with other plants?
5.
What symbols are used in the Bible to represent earthly
governments? Dan. 7 : 3, 17, 23.
6.
How have earthly governments usually been established,
maintained, and extended?
7.
Then where could Christ find no similitude of the kingdom
of heaven ?
8.
In order that we may be admitted into that kingdom, where
must the kingdom be first admitted? Luke 17:2o,
21.
9.
What is the kingdom that God sets up in man? Rom.
14:17.
pc,. What will God's kingdom eventually fill ? Dan.
2
:34, 35, 44,
45; 7:17, IS, 27.
t. But according to the parables thus far studied, how will the
subjects of this kingdom be made ready ?
12.
What makes less noise than the growth of a seed ?
13.
How does this compare with political strife and the con-
tending of armies?
14.
Which attracts the more attention in the world ? Which is
enduring, and which is not? Dan. 2:44; 7:27.
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OT JESUS.
15. Can one have the spirit of both these kingdoms at the same
time? Can the methods of both be followed by any one? To
which do you and I belong?
NOTES.
The Jews looked for the kingdom of God to be established in
the same way as the kingdoms of the world. To promote righteous-
ness they resorted to external measures. They devised methods
and plans. But Christ implants a principle. By implanting truth
and righteousness He counterworks error and sin.
Not only is the growth of Christ's kingdom illustrated by the
parable of the mustard seed, but in every stage of its growth the
experience represented in the parable is repeated.
At the outset its advocates are few. By the great men of the
world, and by a world-conforming church, they are opposed and
despised.
In this last generation the parable of the mustard seed is to
reach a signal and triumphant fulfilment. The little seed will
become a tree.
Every seed that sends up its green blade to the sunlight declares
the wonder-working power of that word uttered by Him who
" spake and it was ;" who " commanded, and it stood fast."
In
everything that tends to the sustenance of man is seen
,the concurrence of divine and human effort. There can be no
reaping unless the human hand acts its part in the sowing of the
seed.
STUDY THE LESSON SCRIPTURE, NOT THE QUESTIONS.
LESSONS ON THE PAIZABLES O1 JESUS.
LESSON VIII.—THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
VARIOUS COMPARISONS.
Lesson Scriptures.—Matt.
13:33;
44
-
52.
Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 95-134.
November 23, 1901.
1.
In this scripture, how many comparisons are made ? What
are they ? What was hid ? Where ? Until what resulted ? Was
the leaven naturally in the meal? What practical lesson do you
get from this fact? At the beginning which was the greater in
bulk—the leaven or the meal? Finally, what did all become?
What does this show of the efficiency of the "hidden life" ?
2.
What is the second comparison ? What will the man do
who actually finds it? Does he reluctantly part with his former
possessions in order to obtain the " hid treasure " ? What are
you willing to give up for heaven ?
3.
What is the third comparison ? When we are the " mer-
chantman," who is the " Pearl " ? When Christ is the "Merchant-
man," who is the " pearl " ? Mal. 3:17. What price did He pay for
us? Give scripture proof. Does the merchantman regret to part
with all his former possessions in order to procure the "pearl of
great price " ?
4.
What is the fourth comparison? What is gathered in the
net? What is done with the bad ? With the good? In reference
to the kingdom, when does He say He will " sever the wicked from
among the just " ? Then how long will bad fish be found in the
gospel net? How does this agree with the parable of the tares?
In this case, who separates the bad from the good ? Where were
the tares cast? Where are these cast?
5.
To close this series of parables, what question did Jesus ask?
What did they answer? Then what further instruction came? If
we are among the " scribes instructed unto the kingdom of
heaven," what may we do?
IS
Lk,ssorts
O t
'mg
PARABLES OF
NOTES.
The leaven—something wholly from without—must be put into
the meal before the desired change can be wrought in it.
As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from within
outward, so it is by the renewing of the heart that the grace of
God works to transform the life.
The leaven hidden in the flour works invisibly to bring the
whole mass under its leavening process ; so the leaven of truth
works secretly, silently, steadily, to transform the soul,
Man is not endowed with new faculties, but the faculties he has
arc sanctified.
The leaven of truth will not produce the spirit of rivalry, the
love of ambition, the desire to be first.
The grace of Christ is to control the temper and the voice.
LESSON IX.—PRAYER.
Lesson Scripture.—Luke
n
AID.—" Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 139-149.
November 3o,
1901.
i. What request did the disciples make of Jesus ? Under
what circumstances? Why would this circumstance lead one to
ask such a favor?
2.
Give the reply of the Master.
3.
Had He taught this same prayer before? Where?
4.
In the prayer, what endearing name are we permitted to
use? By the very utterance of the name, what do we admit
ourselves to be? How does the beloved John show his apprecia-
tion of this relationship with the Holy One ? I John 3:
I, 2.
To
whom do these words have more than an empty sound?
5.
What incident is related to impress the Lord's prayer?
At what hour is the request made for bread ? Where is the one
T,ZsgoNS ON Tat PARAIILVs
0,5115.
t9
of whom the favor is asked ? Why does he at first object? What
will persuade him to rise and give the bread? How much will
he give?
6.
Why are some prayers never granted? James 4 : 3.
7.
In the parable, for whoe benefit was the urgent request
made?
8.
For whom were Jesus' earnest prayers offered ? John
17:9-r1, 15-26; see note. What practical lesson may we learn
from this fact ?
9.
What deepening of purpose is expressed when we ask, seek,
and knock? How many receive ? Who finds ? To whom will the
treasure-house of God be opened ?
to. Turning from the sleeping friend to an earthly father, what
precious truths are taught in reference to prayer? Why does even
this fail to equal our heavenly Father's willingness to give? How
only may we preserve the capacity for receiving of God ? See
note.
tr. Does prayer work any change in God ? See note.
12.
Have God's promises any conditions? What are they?
John 14 : 13-15.
NOTES.
Not for Himself, but for others, He lived and thought and
prayed. From hours spent with God He came forth morning by
morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily He received
a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Here Christ represents the petitioner as asking that he may
give again.
A selfish man will grant an urgent request, in order to rid
himself of one who disturbs his rest. But God delights to give.
Our prayers are not to be a selfish asking, merely for our own
benefit. We are to ask that we may give.
The capacity for receiving is preserved only by imparting. We
can not continue to receive heavenly treasure without communi-
cating to those around us.
Prayer is not to work any change in God ; it is to bring us
into harmony with God. When we make a request of Him, He
20
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OP' JESI1S.
may see that it is necessary for us to search our hearts and repent
of sin. Therefore He takes us through test and trial, He brings
us through humiliation, that we may see what hinders the working
of His Holy Spirit through us.
God does not say, Ask once and you shall receive. He bids
us ask, unwearyingly persist in prayer. The persistent asking
brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and gives him
an increased desire to receive the things for which he asks.
The practise of telling our difficulties to others only`makes
us weak, and brings no strength to them.
LESSON X.—THE WORSHIPERS.
Lesson Scripture.—Luke i8: 9
-1
4.
AID.—" Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 150-163.
December 7,
1901,
1.
To whom was this parable spoken ?
2.
Who went up into the temple? For what purpose? What
was "the one"? "The other" ?
3.
With whom did the Pharisee pray ? For what was he
thankful ? What were his good deeds?
4.
In praying where did the publican stand ? What was
his attitude? What were his words?
5.
Which of the two went homejustified ? Who says so?
6.
How many will be abased? Who will be exalted? By
whom will the exalting and the abasing be done?
7.
Show where Peter's experience fulfils both the place of the
Pharisee and the publican. Mark 14:29-31; Matt. 26:69-75 ; John
21:15-17.
8.
Whom only can Christ save? Luke 19: to; Mark 2:16, 17.
9.
How only can a true knowledge of self be obtained? Isa.
6 :1-5.
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES Or JESUS.
21
to. What causes men to uplift themselves in self-righteous-
ness? ROm. ro : 3.
II.
Who can empty himself of self? How can this be done?
Rom. 6: 6 ;
2
Cor. 5 :
14,
15.
12.
How often must this experience be repeated? Luke 9 : 23.
13.
Who will loathe themselves most? Job 42 : 5, 6.
14.
To what 'point will God exalt those who humble them-
selves here, accepting their Redeemer as their all in all ? Rom.
8: 16, 17.
NOTES.
Whoever trusts in himself that he is righteous, will despise
others.
The sense of need, the recognition of our poverty and sin, is
the very first condition of acceptance with God.
Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to
parade their own goodness.
Great as is the shame and degradation through sin, even
greater will be the honor and exaltation through redeeming love.
To human beings striving for conformity to the divine image
there is imparted an outlay of heaven's treasure, an excellency
of power, that will place them higher even than the angels who
have never fallen.
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22
LESSONS
ON THE PARABLES OE JESUS.
LESSON XL—SHALL NOT GOD AVENGE HIS
OWN?
Lesson Scripture.—Luke
IS : I-8.
AID.—" Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 164-180.
December 14,
1901.
I. To what intent was this parable spoken ?
2.
What sort of judge is here mentioned ? Who came to him ?
For what reason ? For awhile how did he act ? Why only did
he comply with her request?
3.
What are we admonished " to hear " ? Is God less mindful
of the woes of His own elect ?
4.
Which requires stronger faith—an immediate answer to
prayer or a delayed answer? Why?
5.
In persevering prayer, what encouragement may we gather
from Zech. 3: 1-3?
6.
Who is our common adversary ? I Peter
5:
8. Who only
can avenge us of him ? To whom only, then, should we appeal ?
7.
Why are trials permitted to come? I Peter 4 :12-14. Note.
8.
What encouragement may we gain from the experience
of the Syrophcenician woman ? Mark 7 : 25-30.
9.
What admonitions are given further to encourage patience
on our
part ? Heb. 10 : 35-37; James 5 :7, 8.
io. Why is a crisis sometimes permitted ?
2
Chronicles zo; also
note.
II. What may we know in this time of prevailing iniquity?
2
Tim. 3 :1-5; Matt. 24:13, 14; see note.
12. Whence will Jesus gather His people? Mark. 13 : 27; see
note.
LESSONS ON THE
PARABLES Or JESUS.
23
NOTES.
The Lord permits trials in order that we may be cleansed from
earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, unchristlike traits of
character. He suffers the deep waters of affliction to go over our
souls, in order that we may know Him, and Jesus Christ whom
He has sent, in order that we may have deep heart longings to
be cleansed from defilement, and may come forth from the trial
purer, holier, happier.
There is no danger that the Lord will neglect the prayers of
His people. The danger is that in temptation and trial they will
become discouraged, and fail to persevere in prayer.
From age to age the Lord has made known the manner of
His working. When a crisis has come, He has revealed Himself
and has interposed to hinder the working out of Satan's plans.
With nations, with families, and with individuals, He has often
permitted matters to come to a crisis, that His interference might
become marked.
In this time of prevailing iniquity we may know that the last
great crisis is at hand.
From garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds,
from mountains and deserts, from the caves of the earth and the
caverns of the sea, Christ will gather His children to Himself.
STUDY THE LESSON SCRIPTURE, NOT THE QUESTIONS.
24
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OF JESUS.
LESSON XII.—"THIS MAN RECEIVETI
-
I SINNERS."
Lesson Scripture.—Luke 15:1-10.
AID.—" Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 185-197.
December zr, 1901.
1.
What class of people drew near to Jesus ? How many
came? For what purpose? Who murmured? What did they
say?
2.
To meet this case, what parables did Jesus give?
3.
To whom did He appeal in the parable of the lost sheep?
How many were in the flock? How many were lost ? Could He
have mentioned a smaller number? In His haste to find the lost
sheep, where were the ninety-nine left ? How long is the search
continued ?
4.
Having found the sheep, how is it brought home? In carry-
ing the sheep homeward, what is the shepherd's state of mind?
What does he first do on reaching home? For what purpose?
Is there a parallel to this in the salvation of the sinner?
5.
How many pieces of silver are lost? Who searches for the
lost one? To whom does it still belong? With what care is the
search made? How is her diligence rewarded ? Having found it,
what does she do?
6.
Unto what is this scene of rejoicing likened? In its lost
condition, what does the sheep realize ?—That it is lost.
7.
What does the lost piece of silver
not
realize ?
8.
How do some of the sheep happen to go astray? Read
Eze. 34 : 1-31. Who will seek them? Verses 11-16.
9.
Let each Christian determine whether his actions place him
among those who scatter the flock, or with him who gathers.
Let all the wounded, bleeding, lost, and apparently forsaken ones
take courage. Our Chief Shepherd is now gathering His flock.
He will not omit any.
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OF' JESUS.
NOTES.
As the shepherd loves his sheep, and can not rest if one be
missing, so, in an infinitely higher degree, does God love every
outcast soul. Men may deny the claim of His love, they may
wander from Him, may choose anothei master, yet they are
God's, and He longs to recover His own. He says, "As a
shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his
sheep that are scattered, so will I seek out My sheep, and will
deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in
the cloudy and dark day."
In the parable of the lost sheep, Christ teaches that salvation
does
n
ot come through our seeking after God, but through God's
seeking after us.
Every soul whom Christ has rescued is called to work in His
name for the saving of the lost. This work had been neglected in
Israel. Is it not neglected to-day by those who profess to be
Christ's followers?
In this work all the angels of heaven are ready to cooperate.
All the resources of heaven are at the command of those who are
seeking to save the lost. Angels will help you to reach the most
careless and the most hardened. And when one is brought back
to God, all heaven is made glad.
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26
LESSONS ON THE PARABLES OP
JESUS.
LESSON XIII.—" LOST, AND IS FOUND:"
Lesson Scripture.—Luke 15:
Ain.—" Christ's Object Lessons," pp. 198-211.
December a8, 1901.
I. What had a certain man?
. 2.
What request did the younger one make? Was it granted?
3.
How soon afterward did he take a journey ? How much
of his patrimony was taken with him?
4.
Did he settle in an adjoining town? Where?
5.
How was his substance used ? When all was expended,
what arose? Into what state did this bring him? What did he
do to relieve his dire necessity? What employment was given
him? To what extremes did his hunger bring him? Did any one
supply his need ?
6.
How did he begin to reason? When was this? What did
he desire to do?
7.
What did he intend to say when he reached home? Did
he do as he had determined ?
8.
When did his father see him? How was he greeted? Did
he say all to his father he had thought to say?
9.
What command was immediately given the servants ? Why
this great demonstration of rejoicing?
to. With what illustrations has the Lord elsewhere shown His
joy over the return of the wanderer? Isa. 62: 5; Zeph. 3:17.
II. Hearing the sound of rejoicing, what question did the elder
son ask? Did he share in the joy? How did he act? What did
he say to his father? What did he call the returned penitent?
What was the father's kind reply?
I,BSSONS ON TIM PARA13IXS 01
4
JUSVS.
27
NOTES.
In the parable of the prodigal son is presented the Lord's
dealing with those who have once known the Father's love, but
have allowed the tempter to lead them captive at his will.
Whatever the appearance may be, every life centered in self is
squandered.
The love of God still yearns over the one who has chosen to
separate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring
him back to the Father's house.
The prodigal son in his wretchedness " came to himself."
In his restless youth the prodigal looked upon his father as
stern and severe. How different his conception of him now !
So those who are deceived by Satan look upon God as hard and
exacting.
In the parable there is no taunting, no casting up to the prodi-
garof his evil course; the son feels that the past is forgiven and
forgotten, blotted out forever.
Self-righteousness not only leads men to misrepresent God, but
makes them cold-hearted and critical toward their brethren. . . .
While the soul is making its very first struggles against the flood
of temptations, they stand by, stubborn, self-willed, complaining,
accusing. They may claim to be children of God, but they are
acting out the spirit of Satan. By their attitude toward their
brethren these accusers place themselves where God can not give
them the light of His countenance.
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